肝脏低温保存-再灌注后的变化及机制

目的　研究肝脏低温保存 再灌注期间 ,肝细胞糖原含量与肝细胞凋亡之间的关系及其相关机制。方法　制备四组肝糖原含量显著不同的兔肝脏模型 ,肝糖原含量 (mg/ g)分别为 :A组 :15 .42± 2 .6 0 ;B组 :5 1.83± 6 .6 1;C组 :6 3 .2 2± 5 .84;D组 :78.5 8± 8.46。检测各组肝脏低温保存 再灌注过程中肝细胞凋亡及组织内氧自由基相关指标 (SOD、GSH、MDA)的变化情况。结果　各组肝脏低温保存 9h后 ,再灌注 6 0min时 ,组织内可见明显的肝实质细胞凋亡现象 ,其凋亡细胞数量依次为A组 >B组 >C组 >D组 ,四组间差异均有显著性 ;且此时各组肝脏组织中SOD、GSH或MDA水平差异也均有显著性。结论　肝脏低温保存 再灌注过程中 ,肝细胞内糖原能显著拮抗肝实质细胞凋亡的发生 ;其内在机制可能在于肝细胞糖原通过抑制氧自由基的产生而达到拮抗肝实质细胞凋亡的发生。     

低温保存-再灌注肝脏肝细胞凋亡与肝细胞糖原含量的关系及bax基因在其中的作用

目的　研究肝脏低温保存 再灌注期间肝细胞糖原含量与肝细胞凋亡之间的关系及bax基因在其中的作用。方法　制备糖原含量显著不同的 4组兔肝脏模型 ,根据给食方法的不同分为A组 (禁食 2 4h ,但自由饮水 )、B组 (标准实验室饮食 )、C组 (标准实验室饮食 +每 6h静脉滴注 2 5 %葡萄糖 3 0ml)及D组 (标准实验室饮食 +每 4h静脉滴注2 5 %葡萄糖 3 0ml) ,检测各组肝脏低温保存 再灌注期间肝细胞凋亡及bax基因蛋白的表达情况。结果　各组肝脏于低温保存 9h后再灌注 60min时 ,肝组织内可见明显的肝实质细胞凋亡现象 ,A、B、C、D 4组的凋亡细胞数量依次减少 ,4组间两两比较差异有统计学意义 ,各组肝细胞bax基因蛋白的表达程度与肝细胞糖原含量有密切的相关性。结论　肝脏低温保存 再灌注过程中 ,肝细胞内糖原能明显拮抗肝实质细胞凋亡的发生 ,其内在机理可能为肝细胞糖原通过抑制bax基因蛋白的表达从而达到拮抗肝实质细胞凋亡的发生。     

肝脏低温保存-再灌注期间肝细胞凋亡及其与Bax基因蛋白相关性的研究

目的　研究临床肝移植过程中供肝低温保存-再灌注期间肝细胞凋亡及其相关机制。方法　应用细胞凋亡原位末端标记法并结合电镜观察,检测低温保存时间分别为0(A组)、3(B组)、6(C组)、9(D组)h的4组兔肝脏在低温保存-再灌注过程中肝细胞凋亡情况。同时,对各组肝脏再灌注前后肝细胞内Bax基因蛋白表达进行测定。结果　A、B、C、D各组肝脏于低温保存后的再灌注60min时,组织内可见明显的肝实质细胞凋亡；其凋亡细胞数量(1×10     

离体肝脏低温保存-再灌注期间肝细胞凋亡现象观察

目的 探讨临床肝移植过程中离体供肝低温保存－再灌注损伤与肝细胞凋亡的关系。方法 采用细胞凋亡原位末端标记法并结合电镜观察,检测低温保存时间分别为０、３、６、９小时的４组免肝脏在低温保存－再灌注过程中肝细胞凋亡发生情况。结果 在低温保存后的再灌注期间,４组动物的肝组织内均可见明显的肝实质细胞凋亡现象,而且低温保存时间越长的肝脏,其再灌注后产生的肝实质凋亡细胞数量越多,但各组肝脏于低温保存末,其组织内     

钙超载对低温保存肝脏细胞的损伤作用

目的探讨钙离子对肝脏的损伤作用.方法应用含胶原酶保存液灌注大鼠肝脏制成不同细胞成活率的肝细胞悬液,低温保存肝脏细胞.应用Fura-2/AM标记测细胞内钙. 结果①低温保存2小时肝细胞 实验1组(细胞成活率为5%)肝细胞内钙值为(1055.0±30.79) nmol/L; 实验2组(细胞成活率为10%)肝细胞内钙值为(853.0±20.42) nmol/L; 实验3组(细胞成活率为30%)肝细胞内钙值为(616.0±13.20) nmol/L; 实验4组(细胞成活率为50%)肝细胞内钙值为(562.0±26.06) nmol/L; 实验5组(细胞成活率为70%～80%)肝细胞内钙值为(318.0±13.01) nmol/L; 实验6组(细胞成活率为90%)肝细胞内钙值为(114.6±6.11) nmol/L.②低温保存24小时肝细胞 实验A组(细胞成活率为10%)肝细胞内钙值为(1704.0±70.11) nmol/L; 实验B组(细胞成活率为50%)肝细胞内钙值为(1125.0±23.22) nmol/L.随着细胞成活率的降低,细胞内钙值逐渐升高; 在同样细胞成活率情况下,随着保存时间延长(2小时与24小时)细胞内钙值增高1倍左右.结论在低温保存过程中,钙超载是造成肝脏细胞缺血再灌注损伤的一个主要因素.     

细胞凋亡在大鼠体外肝缺血再灌注损伤中的作用

目的探讨体外切肝不同术式对肝脏缺血再灌注损伤中肝细胞凋亡的影响。方法利用SD大鼠建立完全离体、半离体切肝动物模型,术后4、24h处死大鼠采取标本,通过病理、电镜观察肝脏形态学改变,免疫组织化学检测肝组织的核增殖抗原(PCNA)表达,原位末端标记法(TUNEL)检测细胞凋亡。结果完全离体组肝脏损害最严重,细胞凋亡阳性指数最高,再灌注后4h和24h分别为24.4±1.9,32.6±2.7,而半离体组为17.0±2.6,26.4±1.1,两组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);完全离体组再灌注4h和24h后PCNA的表达分别为66.6±2.5,77.2±1.5,明显高于半离体组的57.4±1.5,68.6±2.5(P<0.05)。结论肝窦内皮细胞凋亡及之后伴随的肝细胞凋亡是肝缺血再灌注后肝脏损伤的方式之一,在肝细胞凋亡的同时也存在肝细胞的增生,半离体体外肝手术对肝脏损伤相对轻、暴露良好,因此临床上应优先选择。     

缺血预处理和阿霉素预处理对大鼠肝脏低温保存损伤的保护作用

目的研究预处理对大鼠肝脏低温保存损伤的保护作用。方法应用大鼠肝脏离体非循环灌注模型 (IPRL) ,对供肝分别作缺血预处理 (IPC)和阿霉素预处理 (DPC) ,比较各组供肝低温保存损伤的程度。结果流出液中AST和ALT的酶学水平 ,IPC组 (40 1± 6 3、17 1± 0 5 )U L和DPC组 (43 6± 3 7、19 4± 0 8)U L显著低于未预处理 (NPC)组 (6 4 5± 8 2、2 3 8± 3 9)U L(P <0 0 5 ) ;胆汁分泌量及肝组织ATP含量 ,IPC组 (5 3 5± 10 2 ) μl、(6 2± 0 6 ) μmol g和DPC组 (5 0 5± 8 1) μl、(6 0±0 6 ) μmol g显著高于NPC组 (2 2 8± 9 7) μl、(2 6± 0 3) μmol g(P <0 0 5 ) ;肝组织丙二醛 (MDA)的含量 ,IPC组 (4 36± 0 2 6 )nmol g和DPC组 (4 5 1± 0 13)nmol g显著低于NPC组 (6 75± 0 17)nmol g(P<0 0 5 ) ;光镜及电镜结果显示 ,IPC组和DPC组肝细胞损伤的程度显著轻于NPC组 ;而IPC组与DPC组相比较 ,上述指标均无显著性差异 (P >0 0 5 )。结论预处理对供肝低温保存损伤具有明显的保护作用 ,药物预处理可以模拟IPC的效果。药物预处理为临床提供一种安全有效的预处理方法。     

三七总皂甙对大鼠肝脏低温保存再灌注期间肝细胞凋亡的影响

目的　研究三七总皂甙 (PNGS)对大鼠肝脏低温保存再灌注期间肝细胞凋亡的影响及其机制。方法　采用大鼠离体肝脏再灌注模型 (IPRL) ,用Fura 2法测定低温保存 2h后肝细胞内钙离子浓度 ;经乳酸林格氏液 (LR)低温保存 2 4h的肝脏再灌注 30min后进行肝脏功能检测、氧自由基代谢产物、肝细胞凋亡、Bcl 2蛋白表达及形态学观察。LR和DMEM液中加入不同浓度PNGS。结果　大鼠肝细胞内钙离子浓度、MDA、SOD、肝细胞凋亡及Bcl 2蛋白表达阳性率等项指标各实验组明显好于对照组 (P <0 0 1) ,PNGS对大鼠肝细胞凋亡的保护作用显示出剂量依赖性 ,在 2 0 0～ 6 0 0mg范围内随剂量增加保护作用随之增强 (P <0 0 1) ,在 80 0～ 10 0 0mg范围内虽有增强 ,但无明显差别 (P >0 0 5 )。结论　PNGS减轻了大鼠肝脏在低温保存再灌注期间肝细胞凋亡 ,可能与通过抑制钙超载、抗氧自由基损伤、提高Bcl 2蛋白表达作用有关。     

兔肝癌组织缺血再灌注后的损伤及凋亡

目的研究肝癌缺血再灌注后的损伤及凋亡。方法超声引导穿刺新西兰兔肝脏左中叶注射VX2肿瘤组织混悬液,建立肝脏肿瘤模型,阻断肿瘤所在的肝左中叶的肝动脉分支60min后去除血管阻断恢复血流,分别再灌注0min、1h、1d、3d和1w。取肿瘤组织、癌周组织和肝脏组织,除测定肿瘤组织和肝脏组织超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)的含量外,还对肿瘤组织、癌周组织及肝脏组织进行了HE染色。结果缺血再灌注后肿瘤组织和正常肝组织中的SOD浓度均迅速下降并分别于再灌注1h和0min达最低水平(64.59±4.97,12.38±0.31),其后逐渐恢复(112.83±5.84,25.78±0.56)但至再灌注7d仍低于再灌注前(200.32±26.43,42.00±1.07)。但癌组织中的SOD含量下降更为显著。从缺血再灌注开始至7d肿瘤组织的MDA含量下降(21.59±0.59),而肝脏组织缺血再灌注后0min至7d(29.04±1.43),MDA含量明显升高,均高于缺血再灌注前水平(18.26±0.43)。HE染色显示,肝癌组织缺血再灌注后凋亡细胞明显增多,其中以1d最为显著(23.08%),而癌周和肝组织改变不甚明显(与同时点的癌组织相比P<0.01)。结论缺血再灌注可增强对肝癌组织的损伤并促进细胞凋亡而癌周和正常肝脏组织的改变不明显。     

白细胞介素-1β对原代培养大鼠肝细胞的细胞毒性作用

目的利用原代培养大鼠肝细胞 ,研究白细胞介素 1β(IL 1β)对肝细胞的作用。 方法无菌条件下原位胶原酶灌注Wistar大鼠肝脏分离肝细胞。观察IL 1β对肝细胞释放LDH ,肝细胞增殖(3 H标记的胸腺嘧啶掺入法 )以及肝细胞能量代谢的影响 (细胞内ATP含量和培养液中酮体比KBR)。结果在 6种培养条件下 ,各IL 1β组LDH活性均显著高于对照组 (培养条件Ⅰ～Ⅵ ,各对照组LDH活性分别为 :2 2± 2 ;2 5± 4;18± 5 ;12± 4;15± 5 ;11± 4,各IL 1β组分别为 :36± 3;43± 5 ;34± 6 ;31± 4;31± 5 ;2 2± 3,P值均小于 0 0 5 ) ;在培养条件Ⅱ情况下 ,IL 1β显著减少了原代培养大鼠肝细胞胸腺嘧啶的掺入量〔对照组 :(2 34 5 6± 312 3)Dpm/ 0 2 5× 10 6个细胞 ,IL 1β组 :(15 34 0±2 5 34 )Dpm/0 2 5× 10 6个细胞 ,P <0 0 1)〕 ;在培养条件Ⅳ、Ⅴ、Ⅵ情况下 ,IL 1β显著降低了培养细胞内ATP的含量(培养条件Ⅳ、Ⅴ、Ⅵ ,各对照组细胞内ATP的含量分别为 :10 0± 1 1;11 0± 2 3;11 5± 1 5 ,各IL 1β组分别为 :6 5± 0 5 ;5 9± 1 3;5 6± 1 2 ,P值均小于 0 0 5 ) ;在培养条件Ⅳ、Ⅴ、Ⅵ情况下 ,IL 1β显著降低了KBR(培养条件Ⅳ、Ⅴ、Ⅵ ,各对照组细胞内ATP的含量分别为 :1 0 1± 0 2 1;0 85± 0 13;0     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.